A/N: :D Next chapter, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter Thirty-Two: Exploration
It wasn't that he suddenly fell in love with her, but that he realized he'd begun to care for her for awhile now, and it rocked him to his core.
No woman, ever, no matter how gorgeous, had made him feel the way she did. She had not tried to get his attention overtly, or actively pursued him, or tried to seduce him. He had not had the chance to rebuff her as he had Sakura and Karin, had not seen the warning signs he took for granted.
It was painful, relieving, and more frightening than anything he'd ever faced.